1To Thomas Jefferson from John Browne Cutting, 20 April 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
The elevation of their fellow citizen to preside among millions of intelligent freemen—over a cluster of genuine republics, obedient, members of one great, durable, and growing Empire—is doubtless a dignified and dignifying Spectacle. The philosophic contemplate it with hope, and it is an object that fills a wide space in the eye of mankind But to the Individual (like myself) an equal lover of...
2To Thomas Jefferson from John Brown Cutting, 24 December 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
On friday evening last died Mr. Rumsay of Maryland. On the evening before while sitting with some members of the Society for encouraging british arts sciences and manufactures (who from the high opinion they entertain’d of his genius had frequently consulted him at their meetings) he complain’d of a sudden pain in his head, and resting it on his hand on the table in an instant became...
3To George Washington from John Brown Cutting, 22 February 1792 (Washington Papers)
I take the liberty to inclose to You a few stanzas which several persons, eminent in polite literature—and who have moreover the honor of a more intimate acquaintance with you than myself—affirm to be neither inelegant unjust nor unworthy of the subject on the occasion. I rejoice in this opportunity of testifying the fervency of that attachment and patriotic homage with which I am, your very...
4Enclosure IX: John Browne Cutting to Philip Stephens, [22 September 1790] (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Cutting’s compliments to Mr. Stephens, on whom he waits agreeably to appointment, to ask if any reply from the commander of the Crescent (concerning Hugh Purdie) has yet been given to the letter which Mr. Stephens was pleased to say he had written, and the purport of the answer to which, should be communicated to Mr. Cutting on tuesday morning. Mr. Cutting would also wish to be informed if...
5Enclosure VIII: John Browne Cutting to Hugh Purdie, [17 September 1790] (Jefferson Papers)
This moment your two letters of the 15th. inst. are put into my hands. The proper steps for efectuating your immediate release are taken. I send you this line merely from the possibility that the Post may arrive an hour or two sooner than the order for your discharge. Say nothing, fear nothing. In less than twenty four hours a positive order for your liberation will arrive. Meanwhile I am...
6Enclosure III: John Browne Cutting to J. Hunt, [18 August 1790] (Jefferson Papers)
I entreat the favor of you to return by the bearer that memorial and those papers, which, on behalf of Purdie and other impressed American mariners, I put into your hand on the 10th instant. I vainly flattered myself so far as to expect the indulgence of being heard five minutes by the Earl of Chatham himself in their behalf; especially as one of them is a young man well known to persons of...
7To John Adams from John Brown Cutting, 11 August 1790 (Adams Papers)
If ever there was a time when the volunteer exertions of a citizen of America became a duty incumbent upon him in a foreign realm—that period has existed here. For many weeks past I have not been absent a single day from the Admiralty—sundays only excepted. It is not for me to say how efficacious in resisting individual oppression or national mischief this un-intermitting attention has proved....
8Enclosure I: John Browne Cutting to the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, 10 August 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
To the Right Honble. the Lords Commissioners of the British Admiralty. The Memorial of John Brown Cutting respectfully sheweth. That your memorialist is a native and Citizen of the United States of America, and has been intreated by four of his fellow Citizens to represent that they are truly such, and to ask your orders for their discharge from onbound his Britannic Majesty’s ships the Edgar...
9To John Adams from John Brown Cutting, 17 July 1790 (Adams Papers)
I embrace the opportunity afforded me by a vessel that sails to day for Philadelphia to send you some newspapers and to tell You that the condition of the american seamen here claims the immediate attention of the Government of the United States. In the absence of any person invested with consular or ministerial authority from Congress—I cou’d not endure to see my fellow citizens first...
10I. John Browne Cutting to the Secretary of State, [17? July 1790] (Jefferson Papers)
The moment I had sealed the letter which I wrote you in such haste yesterday, I proceeded to the Admiralty with my pocket full of affidavits and memorials and smoothing my passage through the offices of the clerks by putting my hand into a smaller pocket (as all who are anxious for speedy success in any Admiralty-suit ought to do or they will repent the omission) I soon reached the upper...
11To John Adams from John Brown Cutting, 5 July 1790 (Adams Papers)
There are so many rumours concerning the present state of the dispute between Spain and Britain and so many individuals interested to misrepresent it that it is with much diffidence that I venture to offer you any opinion on that subject. The british parliament the members of which are now chiefly elected will not be assembled before the middle of august. Till then very little that can be...
12To John Adams from John Brown Cutting, 16 June 1790 (Adams Papers)
I write this note just to inclose you a couple of newspapers. Such is the variable & distracted state of affairs at present here and all over Europe that it is impossible to form an opinion one day that events of the next will not overturn. The cabinet of St Jame’s having involved this nation in the fortunes of Prussia—it is next to impossible that a general war shou’d not ensue. France has...
13To John Adams from John Brown Cutting, 14 June 1790 (Adams Papers)
By a vessel that sails for Boston tomorrow I inclose You the british king’s speech on the adjournment prior to the late dissolution of parliament—for which dissolution the next day a royal proclamation issued. From the tenor of this speech a general european war is expected. Meanwhile the most extensive naval armaments are preparing in the ports adjacent to all the great dockyards of this...
14To John Adams from John Brown Cutting, 3 June 1790 (Adams Papers)
I inclosed You a few days ago a parcel of printed papers some of which I conceived might contain interesting intelligence especially if the dispute between Britain & Spain shoud terminate in hostilities, as in such an event the government of the United States woud at least be involved in discussions of considerable importance to our country with one or both of those nations. Among the rest you...
15To George Washington from John Brown Cutting, 1 May 1790 (Washington Papers)
I take the liberty to inclose you an english newspaper wherein is inserted the copy of a treaty between the king of Prussia and the sublime Porte. This copy I am informed by a foreigner of veracity who perused the original at the house of the imperial minister, is a genuine translation. The terms of it are such that a war between the respective parties to it in conjunction with the kings of...
16II. John Brown Cutting to Thomas Jefferson, 20 March 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
A relapse soon after I took leave of You at Cowes has compel’d me to waste the whole winter in Europe: the greater part of it I have pass’d at Bath. It is now probable that I shall not embark for New York before June, when Mr. Rutledge and myself will be companions of the voyage, so that I may receive any commands that you may wish me to execute here for You by the May Packet. Mr. Rutledge has...
17To Thomas Jefferson from John Brown Cutting, 20 March 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
I have just spoken with a gentleman who promises to put a line for me in the letter bag of Capt. Woolsey when he arrives at Gravesend. I embrace the opportunity of inclosing a newspaper or two, additional to those I have already inclosed. The accounts from Brussels of the riot do seem likely to be true from the intemperate violence of the priests and other agents of the aristocracy, who with...
18III. Extract from the Speech of Edmund Burke, [9 February 1790] (Jefferson Papers)
The french have proved themselves the ablest architects of ruin that ever existed in the world. In one summer they have done their business for us as rivals in a way more destructive than twenty Ramillies or Blenheims. In this very short space of time they have completely pulled down to the ground their monarchy: their church; their nobility; their law; their revenue; their army; their navy;...
19John Brown Cutting to William Short, 3 November 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
I am just returned from Bath where I have been ever since I parted with Mr. Jefferson at Cowes. Perhaps it may not have been notified to you that the Claremont Capt. Colley and the vessel in which Mr. Trumbull sailed for New York proceeded down the channel on the morning of the 23d with a fine wind. This I learn by a letter from our Friend Trumbull who wrote to me by the pilot, when he quitted...
20To Thomas Jefferson from John Brown Cutting, 30 September 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
Yours of the 24th. with the inclosures has just reach’d me. The letter shall be forwarded to Charlestown immediately. Mr. Trumbull who had the goodness to communicate your letter to him of a prior date on the subject of taking your passage in some vessel bound from hence to the Chesapeak, having accorded with me in opinion that from the aspect of that letter there was very little probability...
21To Thomas Jefferson from John Brown Cutting, 22 September 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
Notwithstanding I understood from Mr. Paine that you intend quitting Paris tomorrow to embark either at L’Orient or Havre, trusting to the chances of an unforseen impediment, I address this letter to You as if I were certain it woud reach you near Paris. I have long had it in contemplation to intreat your sentiments on the improvements that ought to be aimed at by our country in the manner of...
22To Thomas Jefferson from John Brown Cutting, 18 September 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
Owing to the tardiness of the penny post man I did not receive your letter of the tenth timely enough to answer it on tuesday evening. I mistook the papers you had the goodness to send me for copies, and supposing the originals were of record with you, did not forget, but omitted to return them to you in Paris. I now inclose them to you with many apologies for an omission that has cost you a...
23To Thomas Jefferson from John Brown Cutting, 15 September 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
By some accident the inclosed did not get into the post office timely enough on friday evening to be forwarded. I have not heard of any more recent arrivals from America. The Legislature of New York have chosen General Schuyler and Mr. Rufus King to represent them in the senate of Congress. The appointment of the latter to so high an office is the most signal instance of disregard to local...
24To Thomas Jefferson from John Brown Cutting, 11 September 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
It being my sincere aim and ardent desire to satisfy the creditors of South Carolina, in every particular, I have at the request of the house in Amsterdam transmitted under cover to Mr. Jacob Vanstaphorst the letter to Governor Pinckney which was committed to my care. I seriously believe and hope You will not impute to my agency all the trouble which has been given You in the affair. This...
25To Thomas Jefferson from John Brown Cutting, 8 September 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
There are letters in town from America dated as late as the 4th of August, but I have not been able to get at them. The inclosed papers contain all I have to send you by this post: by the next perhaps I may obtain something still more interesting. The newspapers of this metropolis continue their wonted traffic of lies. Two will serve You for a specimen. “To such a height have disturbances...
26To John Adams from John Brown Cutting, 6 August 1789 (Adams Papers)
Before this reaches You I hope You will have authentic accounts of the late revolution in France. At such a distance from Paris it is difficult to asscertain the truth of such important transactions as have continually taken place since the 14 th of July, at court and in the capital. By Cap t Bond of the Washington I inclosed you a parcel of pamphlets and newspapers which afforded You I hope...
27To George Washington from John Brown Cutting, 25 July 1789 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to transmit you some papers containing details of a revolution in the government of France which if they shou’d reach New York before the official account of this great transaction by Mr Jefferson may probably afford you some satisfaction. With the highest respect & purest esteem I have the honor to be your fellow citizen and most obedt sert ALS , DNA:PCC , item 78. John Brown...
28To John Adams from John Brown Cutting, 24 July 1789 (Adams Papers)
By a vessel that departs from hence in half an hour bound for the Potowmack I send you some authentic papers which contain details of the late revolution in the government of France. M r Jefferson’s last letter to me is dated on the 16 th. He confirms most of the facts contained in the printed letter of M. Nairac and in the “Extrait d’une lettre de Paris”—and concludes by remarking that tho’...
29To Thomas Jefferson from John Brown Cutting, 21 July 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
Last thursday evening and during the whole of the next day this City was in a ferment. An uncertain account of the late commotions in Paris and Versailles occasion’d it. Fortunately a special courier sent hither by a Mr. Neriac one of the deputies for this place to the states general brought an authentic sketch of what had happen’d, otherwise the house and life of every suspected person in...
30To Thomas Jefferson from John Brown Cutting, 11 July 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
As soon as I arrived in this city being sensible of your solicitude to hasten across the atlantic I made particular enquiry how many american vessels there were in the river, to what ports they were bound and when they might be expected to sail for the United States. I found that fifteen american vessels had just put to sea altogether, that three only remained in port, and that neither of...
31To Thomas Jefferson from John Brown Cutting, 9 June 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
This day I meant to have condensed in a letter of some length the freshest advices from America, but just as I sat down for the purpose a parcel of newspapers came to hand which really supercede the necessity. I have not perused them. Pray have the goodness to preserve them for me. In glancing an eye over a few of the articles I perceive they contain matter that must amuse and interest you....
32To Thomas Jefferson from John Brown Cutting, [30 May 1789] (Jefferson Papers)
I hoped on this day to have set off for Paris and rather wishing to speak with than write to you, you received no line from me by the last posts. Finding now that I may be detained perhaps another week in London before I am prepared to visit you, I pen a word or two according to my former habit, rather to prevent any imputation of negligence on your part than to offer much information on mine....
33To Thomas Jefferson from John Brown Cutting, 22 May 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
London, 22 May 1789 . Is again in Europe after voyage of six weeks from South Carolina. Is rejoiced that TJ has not gone to New York. Hopes to be in Paris in a fortnight. Asks TJ to forward enclosed letters to Rutledge. Is exhausted with fatigue. If he can get baggage through customs early enough, will enclose a few newspapers by next post. Remains with “unabated attachment” and sends...
34To John Adams from John Brown Cutting, 3 April 1789 (Adams Papers)
This letter will be presented to you by the Hon. William Smith Esquire one of the representaives in Congress from the State of South Carolina—whom I beg leave to introduce to you as a friend and a fellow citizen whose talents, integrity, fortune and connexions are respectable in the eyes of his constituents in the district which he represents, and whose family since the earliest settlement of...
35To John Adams from John Brown Cutting, 22 January 1789 (Adams Papers)
I arrived here in six weeks from the Downs whence the ship in which I came took her departure on the 5 th of Nov r ; a day which all the whigs and many of the tories of Britain celebrated as the hundredth anniversary of the revolution— The party who oppose the administration in that country being about to seize so fair an occasion of canvassing for the next parliament the ministerial myrmidons...
36To Thomas Jefferson from John Brown Cutting, 27 December 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
An unexpected opportunity to Bourdeaux affords me a chance of contributing to your entertainment by the inclosed papers. Time will not permit me nor my limited sources of intelligence, to enter into any satisfactory details of the affairs of this state or the union, much more to obtrude any opinions of my own. I am unaffectedly to thank You for the communications you have heretofore made to,...
37To Thomas Jefferson from John Brown Cutting, 17 October 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
Respecting the prohibition of american wheat here there is little to be learnt. The fact speaks for itself. The apprehension of introducing a pernicious insect into the future growth of wheat in this country is the pretext or ostensible ground of the measure. If there be truth in the rumour that american wheat is also prohibited in Hanover, fear of the insect may possibly be the real ground...
38To John Adams from John Brown Cutting, 12 October 1788 (Adams Papers)
The following was the return of the Greenland Fishery on the 17 th of June last. made here London ships Number of Fish Whitby Ships Number of Fish Broderick 5 Ann & Elizabeth 2 John and Margaret 7 El Falconberg 2 Butterworth 3 Resolution
39To John Adams from John Brown Cutting, 8 October 1788 (Adams Papers)
Many unexpected obstacles have concur’d to detain me man months longer than I either wish’d or meant to remain here. I have not however been idle or inactive. Nor have my exertions been altogether selfish. On the contrary I have attempted to discharge the duty of a good citizen—from the simple impulse of republican integrity—with an immediate reference to some of the great interests of our...
40To Thomas Jefferson from John Brown Cutting, 7 October 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
Since my letter yesterday which I prepar’d with rapidity for the mail of today (resolute not again to incur the accusation of inattention or tardiness as heretofore) yours of Octr. 2d is received: and likewise a small parcel which I can safely convey to New York as you request within a few days. I propose directing it to Mr. Osgood that the official superscription may neither alarm the fears...
41To Thomas Jefferson from John Brown Cutting, 6 October 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
Truth, lovely truth, obliges me to correct the intelligence transmitted in my two last concerning the purport of the proceedings in North Carolina. It is true that the Convention of that State have not ratified the new fœderal constitution. But it is not true either that they have absolutely abstracted the state from the Union or manifested a disposition to remain detached therefrom. Neither...
42To Thomas Jefferson from John Brown Cutting, 5 October 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Gardner the bearer hereof is a citizen of Massachusetts (and a mercantile inhabitant of Boston) in whom is no guile. Being a total stranger in France, (as well as unacquainted with the language,) and ever likely so to remain from the simplicity of his habits and the modesty of his disposition, I cou’d not refuse affording this opportunity to him of adding his grateful attestation to mine...
43To Thomas Jefferson from John Brown Cutting, 30 September 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
My two last to you were dated on the tuesday mornings preceding the present. I hope you have at least received that letter which is now a fortnight old. In it I had condensed the most recent articles of american intelligence: a portion of ‘em in newspapers but the greatest part in writing. Possibly the worthy gentlemen in the respective post offices of the two nations were longer in amusing...
44To Thomas Jefferson from John Brown Cutting, 23 September 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
I am but this moment returned from an excursion into the Country which has occupied me almost ever since I wrote You on tuesday last. I hope You did not think the parcel too large which I then forwarded. The New York packet brought nothing so interesting or so recent. I now inclose You two Philadelphia Newspapers which I have just received from a gentleman who was a respectable member of the...
45To Thomas Jefferson from John Brown Cutting, 16 September 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
Your respective favours of Sepr. 4th and 9th are before me. For both but especially for the last accept my sincere thanks. Truth and certainty are always most grateful to the human mind. Your mode of conveying them and the important objects concerning which you enlighten me, render what is naturally pleasant particularly interesting and grateful. As my passage to South Carolina must be...
46To Thomas Jefferson from John Brown Cutting, 6 September 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
I was sensibly mortified on perusal of your letter of the 23d of Aug. to find that I was not the medium through which the earliest information of the late important event in Virginia reached you from England. Especially as the prompt communication of fresh american intelligence has hitherto been the only return I cou’d make for a throng of obligations with which You have so surrounded me that...
47To Thomas Jefferson from John Brown Cutting, 30 August 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
The inclosed paper contains some few articles of intelligence which perhaps may not have reached you by any other channel. When the last vessels quitted New York about the 8th of July, the convention of that State still continued to debate upon the great question of rejecting or adopting the national constitution and it is with concern I perceive that the probabilities against an immediate...
48To Thomas Jefferson from John Brown Cutting, 22 August 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor to inclose the latest pennsylvania newspaper which I can procure; likewise a Baltimore paper for the sake of General Washington’s letter . I also take the freedom to inclose a letter for Mr. Shippen from his father, not knowing where to direct to him, and imagining that Mr. Short will add to his former goodness the additional kindness to forward it in a direction likely to...
49To Thomas Jefferson from John Brown Cutting, 15 August 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Jarvis has been so long detained beyond the time which he at first proposed as the period when he meant to proceed for Paris, that my letters have accumulated on his hands. This evening however he assures me is the last previous to his departure. I have therefore devoted two or three hours in hunting at the several Coffee houses for recent intelligence from America, and more particularly...
50To Thomas Jefferson from John Brown Cutting, 14 August 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
Your letter of the 24th had so tardy a passage to me that I supposed it must have been interscepted, especially as a subsequent one of the 28th came punctually and with speed. To the latter I have already replied. For the political statements and weighty intelligence of the former I am greatly indebted. It is impracticable to learn aught here untinctur’d with english prejudices which are...